Social Care
Future proofing the power of social care data
The London ADASS region has quickly evolved a social care quality standards platform into a vital COVID-19 data collection tool. Ben Chance explains.
Government 'failed to prepare' on PPE, say MPs
The Government has failed to ensure there is enough personal protective equipment (PPE) in the event of a second wave of coronavirus, a watchdog warned today.
Lib Dems - 'We need a devolution revolution to drive the green revolution'
Fixing social care, tackling climate change, addressing deep-seated inequalities and rebuilding the economy are the ‘enormous challenges’ ahead, says acting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.
Care chiefs reject Boris' COVID claims
Care chiefs have rejected claims by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that it was their lack of vigilance that led to a high number of coronavirus deaths in care homes.
NHS chief calls for social care reforms within a year
Sir Simon Stevens has called for a solution to properly fund adult social care to be brought forward within the next year.
Jenrick: We'll back local government
Robert Jenrick has promised that Whitehall will back local government in the same way councils ‘stepped up and supported people in their time of need’.
Boris sets off on the COVID comeback trail
Boris Johnson’s speech in Dudley was ‘a mastery of political tub-thumpery’, says Heather Jameson. ‘But beyond the soundbites, much of the PM’s speech was a rehash of manifesto commitments and pre-announced cash.'
The care home sector 'entered the pandemic on the back foot'
The suggestion that a 'protective ring' was cast around care homes is difficult to swallow, writes Rob Whiteman. The sector was 'certainly not given the tools to cope with any kind of financial shock ahead of time', he adds.
Health chiefs deny care home 'recklessness'
Health chiefs have rejected allegations that discharging elderly NHS patients into care homes at the height of the pandemic in April was ‘reckless.’
Ensuring continuity of care during COVID-19
What happens when home isn't a safe place to be? Julie Tyas discusses how tech is becoming the eyes and ears of social workers during the pandemic.
Time to relax borrowing rules
An Institute for Fiscal Studies report on coronavirus regional variations paints a stark picture for councils’ budgets, says Michael Burton.
LGA calls for plan as shielding is lifted
A plan will need to be put in place to protect those who have been receiving food parcels, and will struggle to pay for supermarket delivery slots, the Local Government Association has warned.
Counties could be forced to issue Section 114 notices this year
If predictions in Grant Thornton's report on county finances fall anywhere close to the actual financial outturn, a significant number of councils will be forced to reduce costs, and as a last resort issue Section 114 notices, says Tom Foster.
Time to wake up to social care reform
As it is revealed that just 4% of social care directors are confident they can deliver their statutory duties with the budgets available, Dr Eleanor Roy says now is the time to take action on social care reform
Care homes were an ‘afterthought’ during pandemic, watchdog warns
A new report has warned that around 25,000 people were discharged from hospital into a care home without being tested for coronavirus at the height of the pandemic.
Older carers ‘forgotten’ by care system says charity
Older carers have been ‘forgotten’ by authorities despite them bearing the brunt of the pandemic, a charity has warned today.
Pickup decries 'lack of focus' on social care
The Government failed to pay enough attention to social care at the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, Local Government Association deputy chief executive, Sarah Pickup, has said.
Shaping care for our futures
Chief executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) Kathryn Smith says trust in the care home sector has been severely shaken by the pandemic – and we need to reassure the public while fully considering the future of residential care.
Melting the boundaries after COVID
In our first virtual round table alongside recruiters Faerfield, chiefs from across the sector talk to Heather Jameson about the opportunities ahead to ‘build back better’ and reshape public services.
Councils must challenge Government fearlessly for pandemic cash
Local government needs to reach out to others to support a campaign for Government to meet its duty to fund local authority shortfalls, says John Tizard.
